By Smartencyclopedia Newsdesk
London, November 22, 2024 — NATO countries are locked in a covert cyber conflict with Russia, the UK Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, warned on Sunday. Her comments precede a major government announcement aimed at bolstering defenses against increasing Russian cyber threats.
In an interview on Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Kendall cautioned that Russia is actively destabilizing not only Ukraine but also NATO allies through a concerted cyber warfare campaign. “There is not only the open military war with Russia as the aggressor but also a hidden cyber war,” she stated, urging vigilance from governments, businesses, and society as a whole.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden is set to deliver a pivotal speech at a NATO cyber defense conference on Monday, highlighting Russia’s escalating use of cyberattacks to disrupt infrastructure and undermine support for Ukraine. McFadden will describe this as the “hidden war” that complements Moscow’s military aggression.
Russia’s Cyber Tactics: A Dual-Edged Threat
In his upcoming address, McFadden is expected to underscore Russia’s ability to launch destabilizing cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, such as power grids. “Military hard-power is one thing, but cyber war can be destabilizing and debilitating,” he will say. “With a cyberattack, Russia can turn the lights off for millions of people. This is the hidden war Russia is waging with Ukraine and NATO.”
He will specifically call out Unit 29155, a notorious Russian military intelligence division linked to previous attacks in the UK and Europe. Additionally, McFadden will warn about independent pro-Kremlin hacker groups operating with impunity. These unofficial “hacktivists” and mercenaries, while not directly under the Kremlin’s control, contribute to Russia’s cyber campaigns, targeting nations perceived as adversaries.
Global Cybersecurity on Alert
South Korea, a NATO Indo-Pacific partner, recently fell victim to a cyberattack widely attributed to a Kremlin-linked group. The attack reportedly came in retaliation for Seoul’s monitoring of North Korean troop deployments to Kursk, Russia—a region where Moscow is heavily engaged in the Ukraine conflict.
McFadden will argue that such groups act with reckless disregard for geopolitical boundaries, warning, “With just one miscalculation, these cyber gangs could wreak havoc on our networks.”
Government Response and NATO Coordination
The UK government is expected to unveil a series of measures to combat emerging cyber threats, emphasizing collaboration with NATO allies. These initiatives will include heightened security protocols for businesses and critical infrastructure, as well as expanded intelligence sharing.
Senior national security officials will meet business leaders next week to discuss strategies for protecting commercial and public systems from cyberattacks.
Kendall emphasized the importance of preparedness: “For months, we’ve focused on ensuring all necessary protections are in place, including robust cyber defenses, because this hidden warfare poses a significant threat alongside Russia’s military aggression.”
Broader Implications for NATO
McFadden’s remarks come as NATO increases its cybersecurity efforts amid heightened tensions with Russia. His speech will serve as a rallying call for member states to remain vigilant and united against Russian cyber aggression.
The NATO Cyber Defence Conference is expected to highlight the urgent need for collective action, emphasizing the interconnectedness of member nations’ cybersecurity frameworks. McFadden’s warning—”The threat is real”—is a stark reminder of the high stakes in this digital battlefield.
With cyberattacks becoming a central weapon in modern geopolitical conflict, NATO allies are preparing to confront the evolving challenges posed by state and non-state actors in the cyber realm.